A photo comparison of the Inov-8 Roclite 295 models. 

My one gripe with the Roclite 295’s has been the durability of the upper. I have been through 4 pairs and they have all torn in the same place after about 250 miles. They are roomy in the toe box and my wide feet do exert pressure at those points. Especially running on coastal trails with a steep camber. Looks like Inov-8 have listened and there is a tension strap right over those weak points as well as a much tougher material in the upper construction. The lacing system also had a habit of ripping on me and this too has been improved with tougher materials and lighter laces. The outsole is almost identical except a flash of yellow for anyone in my wake. One big change… check the arrows on the heel. The 2013 Inov-8 model is now sporting a 6mm drop (two arrows) rather than the old 9mm drop (three arrows). More than happy with this transition as my road shoes and other trail shoes are generally 6mm or below now.

First impressions were very positive. The shoes fitted snuggly as with the old model and wore in very well on the first run. Look forward to putting them through their paces at Ultra Trail South West this June.

Short film from the Malvern Hills Ultra 2013 by the official photographers at Summit Fever.

Puts into words what I haven’t been able to explain about the addiction of going longer

Running Mad: Ultra Trail South West - Race Report

Starting to get very excited about UTSW60 2013 - just over 4 weeks to go! So to get me in the mood had another read of Dan’s epic account of his winning performance at last year’s 100 mile race. He won by a good 2 hours, also beating our relay team to the finish by 30 minutes!!!

Inspiring reading - especially if you believe Red Bull gives you wings… Gnarly course!

Great documentary…

Ultra Trail South West (UTSW60) Kit Check

With just over a month to go to the 2013 Ultra Trail South West (UTSW60), I thought I best get my kit in order. So time for a quick check over the mandatory kit for the event.

  • Head torch (plus spare batteries) - Silva Headlamp X-Trail. Opted for this last year over the cheaper models since it met the lumens requirements. Had to change the batteries at Pendeen Watch about midway into my 35 mile night leg but otherwise the light was excellent. I hope it will be staying in the pack for the duration this year.
  • Hat and Gloves - check
  • Long sleeve top - My trusty Finisterre Brisa merino wool base layer (alas they don’t make these anymore)
  • Waterproof Smock/Jacket - Debated this one for weeks but again, I hope the Cornish summer will arrive and this will not be needed, so weight and size led me to the Montane Minimus Smock.
  • Shorts or running tights - Since running longer and slower I have become dependent on shorts with pockets and currently out of choice these are the 2012 Asics Fuji 2 in 1 (older version no longer available). The inners have long been replaced by 2XU compression shorts. If it is hot though I might have to consider an alternative.
  • Trail Shoes - My trusted Inov-8 Roclite 295 have probably run their course having split on both sides of the foot now. Yet another shoe dilemma! I have a pair of the new Roclite 295 on order to test drive. But, if it is dry I may consider running in TrailRoc 255. Haven’t used these for more than 15 mile runs to date. Hoping to try them on the Spanish mountains in a couple of weeks to see how they hold up. If it is wet I will certainly be turning to the new Roclites so they will need a little wearing in as well!
  • Whistle - check
  • Compass - Lesson learnt from MHU. Make sure my Suunto Ambit compass is calibrated well before the race start!
  • Basic First Aid Kit - Have Lifesystems Light and Dry Micro Kit from MHU still. Does as it describes. Very light and waterproof package.
  • Foil Survival Bag (NOT blanket) - After the high rate of attrition at last years UTSW due to potential hypothermia I can totally understand the need for a bag rather than a blanket. Some shelter in a bag while the heavy rain passed through could have allowed runners a better chance to reach the finish. Maybe not such a demand for the 100K since, all being well, will not be running into the night. Any pleased to have picked up a lightweight survival bag   for a fraction of the cost of some of the branded bags.
  • Bottles or Hydration System (at least 1 litre) - Salomon S-lab 10 will have this one covered. 1 litre in the back and a 600ml bottle up front. (Will of course carry some cash since plenty of shops on route if need an emergency top-up)
  • Money - exactly!

Well, I think I have things pretty well covered, other than perhaps a back-up pair of shorts if the weather is hot. I expect I will run in my Craft Cool Mesh Base Layer again. This kept my temperature just right on the Malvern Hills. Can then throw on the Smock if weather gets chilly or wet. 

Off to Spain in a week for 10 days of training in the mountains then it will be 2 weeks of tapering. So good to actually have things well prepared in advance for a change!

Steepest race in Europe?!… Looks kinda scary. Anyone?

Walking in Ultras: How to train to walk faster

This makes for some interesting reading. The last two weeks I have been doing some speed walking on the treadmill. Generally 4mph @ 10 - 15% gradient. This has been very unfocussed though and just a means to give my body more recovery time from MHU. But in the second half of the Malvern Hills I really appreciated walking the climbs and found with fast downhills I could maintain my 12 minute target pace. So over the next few weeks speed walking is going to become integral to my training. 

With UTSW60 in mind, I know a considerable proportion of the climbing is over the first half of the course so speed walking is really going to come into play on the steep ascents to keep my energy supplies and leg muscles replete for the back half of the course.

Don’t think I could mentally pull off 3 hour treadmill sessions but if I could put in a few 30 minute sessions I could emulate nearly 500m of climbing (15% at 4mph). Which, while not as steep, will certainly be more condensed than what I will face on the SWCP in June.

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